Italian fuel cell train unveiled

author: FutureCar Staff    

Italy's Lombardia regional transport company, Ferrovie Nord Milano, and Alstom have unveiled the first hydrogen fuel cell powered Coradia Stream multiple-unit at the Expo Ferroviaria trade fair in Milano on October 3. This marks the first fuel cell multiple-unit to enter revenue service in Italy.

Under a November 2020 contract, Alstom will supply six hydrogen multiple-units, with an option for eight more. The initial six units are scheduled to enter service on Ferrovienord's 103 km non-electrified Brescia - Iseo - Edolo line from late 2024 or early 2025. These units will replace the aging Fiat Aln668 diesel multiple-units.

The procurement of the trains is part of the H2iseO project, which aims to create Italy's first 'hydrogen valley'. The project includes the construction of three plants for the production, storage, and distribution of hydrogen at Brescia, Iseo, and Edolo. Initially, the Iseo plant will use steam methane reforming, while the other two plants will produce 'green hydrogen' using renewable energy starting from 2025.

As part of the project, 40 hydrogen buses will also be commissioned to replace the entire fleet used by Ferrovienord Autoservizi.

The newly unveiled trainsets have 260 seats and a range of 600 km without refueling. They were developed at Alstom's Savigliano site, with certification, production, and testing taking place at Vado Ligure. Components for the trainsets are supplied from the Sesto San Giovanni plant, and the signaling equipment is sourced from Bologna.

Ferrovienord President Fulvio Caradonna stated, "Ferrovienord is working hard to build the hydrogen plants and related infrastructure in preparation for the train's test phase and commercial service."

FutureCar Staff